Kirk,
In 1937, Mauser undertook several cost reduction and work simplification projects. No functionality of the P.08 was changed and so, as far as Mauser and the Military was concerned, each model P.08 was functionally identical.
However several changes occurred in 1937. One of them has been discussed; the change from Rust Bluing to Salt Bluing. Primarily a pure cost reduction operation to eliminate labor. Like any other change it was phased in as a new bluing line had to be built and tested while the existing line produced P.08s.
Therefore early pistols were rust blued, then for a couple of months, both rust blued and salt blued pistols were produced. Finally in April/May, the vast majority of production was Salt Blued although some rust blued pistols are found later in the year.
If you tell us the suffix letter below the serial number on the front of the frame we can tell you approximately when your P.08 was made.
But there were other changes of interest to collectors as 1937 was a transition year of the Mauser Hump. That little bulge you see on the rear of the receiver.
There was also a transition in the inspector stamps from Droop Eagle which is seen on your pistol to Stick Eagle found later.
So, next step, let us have the suffix, the scriptic letter found under the serial number on the front of the frame and we can take the history of the gun a step further.
Hope this helps.
John
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